Check out three things:
1) Your local Better Business Bureau to see if they are listed or reputable. Sometimes small companies do not appear but if you can get good reliable references elsewhere (such as friends or family who have used the contractor), this is OK.
This article is helpful:
http://our.bbb.org/Houston/Public/Reports/RR/PopUp/Tip.as...
2) Angie's List (www.angieslist.com) has a fairly good overview of local contractors in your area with client reviews. I've had mostly good results finding contractors thru this site.
3) Not sure why you are contacting your insurance to have the roof replaced, unless there was storm damage of some kind. This looks like a smoke screen to divert your attention from the fact that it is the contractor, not you necessarily, who has to have insurance.
What you need to do is to ask any potential contractor for:
* First, a home improvement contractor license number - any roofing work done on your house should be done by a licensed contractor. If anything happens during or after the work is done, and he's unlicensed, you are on the hook and your homeowner's insurance will not reimburse you. Google "verify contractor license Texas" to find your state's online license verification - it will tell you if the license is valid, who it's for, and the address. I've had more than my share of contractors trying to pass off relative's or buddy's license numbers as theirs.
* Second, a certificate of general liability insurance with your name as the certificate holder AND and as an "added insured" on the contractor's policy. In case there is any damage, BOTH must be on the certificate or you will not be covered by his policy. It will come out of your pocket instead. To be on the safe side, have your insurance agent check the certificate to see if it's OK and call the insurance companies listed in the certificates to verify the information on the certificate (policy #, amounts, expiration date, and if there's coverage in your state). I've had a couple contractors beat around the bush about issuing these or trying to pass off phony certificates - any honest reliable contractor will give you a certificate as it is a common request (more from businesses than homeowners as most don't know this) and it has no additional cost.
* Third, a certificate for workers' compensation insurance, with you listed as the certificate holder. Have your insurance agent check it to see if it's OK and call the insurance company listed on the certificate to verify info and that there is coverage in your state (beware of out-of-state contractors, coverage usually does not cross state lines). This certificate is critical - many contractors do not have WC insurance and if one of their workers gets injured on the job, you are on the hook and they will come after you and everything you own.
* For added protection, get an umbrella insurance policy along with your regular homeowner's insurance, for the value of your home. It costs a relatively small amount (about $250 for $500,000 coverage/ year) but will protect you in case of an accident, damage or neglgence on your part related to anything - not just contractors.
* Get the proposal in writing - materials, costs, estimated time, warranty for labor and materials.
* Find out if you need a building permit to have a roof replaced, from your city or town hall directly Do not rely on the contractor to give you this info.
